Persons with disabilities are not a homogenous group. Each type of impairments has distinct peculiari-ties and needs. Even non-disabled persons have their likes and dislikes which you get to know. Therefore, it is good to be aware about what the particular preferences are for an individual, rather than assume.
Do not assume …3
- … a person with a disability either wants or requires assistance.
- … rejection of aid is meant as a personal affront.
- … upon acceptance of your help, that you know, without being told, what service to perform.
- … a person who appears to have one kind of disability also has others.
- … a disabled person is dissatisfied with his/her quality of life, and is thus seeking pity.
- … a person with a disability is easily offended.
- … that a person who does not appear disabled, or who uses assistive devices intermittently instead of all of the time, is faking or imagining their disability.
- … companions accompanying a person with a disability are there strictly to render service.
- … a person with a disability will be receptive to personal questions, particularly in a public setting.
- … that when a person with a disability is in a public place, that they are being escorted by a care taker, instead of traveling alone.
In general:
- Do not stare at persons with disabilities too much. Like everyone, it makes people uncomfortable.
- Avoid pity. Pity is a negative attitude.
- Communicate directly with the person, even when they are accompanied by an assistant.
- Ask before you render assistance. Unsolicited help may threaten the person’s dignity and security.
- Avoid ‘heroic’ praises. It signifies that you have a lower expectation of him or her.
- Only ask questions about the person’s disability if you know that person well.
